A GROUP of high-profile politicians has called on NHS chiefs to reverse a “short-sighted” decision to shut down a prescription pill addiction clinic in Camden Town.

The All Parliamentary Party Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence – made up of 21 Lords and MPs – has criticised the planned closure of the Rest Project, Mind in Camden, Camden Road.

The project has provided support for patients suffering withdrawal from “benzos” – sedatives, tranquillisers and sleeping pills – for 30 years. There are around 130 Camden people using the service and the chief executive of the national Mind charity  said he was “deeply concerned” about the move.

Paul Flynn MP, chairman of the APPG, said: “While we recognise that the health service is under pressure to find savings, we believe that closing the Rest Project is short-sighted, and will lead to unnecessary suffering and uncertainty for its clients.”

The Rest Project is for patients who are dependent or are suffering withdrawals from benzodiazepines. The drugs work by reducing the brain’s ability to make rational decisions, affecting memory, dulling emotions and slowing breathing. They are often prescribed to people with anxiety or insomnia.

Mind chief executive Brian Dawn said: “We are particularly worried that going forward, our clients will be signposted to services that primarily deal with Class A drug users,” adding that there are enormous differences between the needs of such people compared to those who have become dependent on minor tranquillisers.

Richard Elphick, from Camden’s Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Counselling and peer support will remain available. No one will be left without appropriate expert care. The new services will be in place from April 2019 onwards.”